Water Firms Slapped with £114 Million Payback Over Poor Performance
Water companies in England and Wales face a massive £114 million payback to customers after falling short on key targets. Ofwat, the industry watchdog, blasted their failure on leakages, water supply, and pollution reduction.
None of the firms hit the top performance marks. Seven water giants, including Thames, Anglian, and Yorkshire Water, landed in the dreaded “lagging” category. Another ten fell into “average” with zero companies deemed “leading.”
Ofwat Takes Hard Line After 2019 Targets Smashed
The regulator set tough goals back in 2019 covering a five-year span. Falling short meant slashing what companies can charge customers, triggering steep bill reductions.
“While these bill cuts may be welcome to customers, it’s very disappointing news for those wanting the sector to improve,” said David Black, Ofwat CEO.
UK Workers Clock More Sick Days Amid Pressure Cooker Conditions
A fresh report from the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) reveals UK workers are calling in sick more than ever. The average jumped to 7.8 days a year – up from 5.8 pre-pandemic.
Stress, lingering Covid-19 effects, and the biting cost-of-living crisis were fingered as key drivers of the soaring sick days. The CIPD warned these factors have “profound impacts” on wellbeing.
Gatwick Axes 82 Flights Due to Air Traffic Control Sickness
Gatwick Airport is cancelling 82 flights over the week after 30% of its air traffic controllers took sick leave, many battling Covid-19. Most cancellations will hit Friday, September 29, with 33 flights grounded.
CEO Stewart Wingate slammed the ongoing staffing nightmare at the air traffic control centre, saying it’s causing major disruption.
The affected controllers are employed by Nats, responsible for safeguarding UK skies. Despite the cancellations, some days will see no disruptions at all.
